Dairy farmer has 'confidence' in industry's future

A dairy farmer has said he has "confidence" in the industry due to expanding milk markets and improved government support.

Andrew Le Gallais from Cowley Farm at Maufant in St Saviour said the island's dairy industry has "built really strong relationships" with the government which gives him hope for the future with plans to invest more than £1m in buildings and machinery.

Earlier this year, Blanc Pignon dairy farm closed down and described the industry as "very , very tough".

Le Gallais has applied for planning permission to rebuild calf pens, machinery store and hay store and the milking equipment has been updated recently.

Le Gallais said Jersey Dairy's growing markets, especially in Asia, were "really exciting" for farmers.

He said: "Profitability has increased, government support is much more direct to the dairy industry... this is about real long term planning for our dairy industry."

Le Gallais praised the reintroduction of the Agricultural Loan Fund, which was unanimously voted in by the States in 2024 and has funded the improvements to his farm.

The £10m fund has an interest repayment rate of 3% for farmers, which was reduced from 6.5%. Farmers are permitted to borrow up to £1m.

The farm currently has more than 230 cows and calves and the plans involve expanding and updating facilities and its herd.

Le Gallais said: "I want to have a better working environment for my staff, I want to improve productivity, I want to grow the herd, not dramatically, but slowly.

"I just want to see the farm well placed to supply milk to Jersey dairy for the next 40 years."

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